Dealing with overtourism in European Cities

Transcription

1 Dealing with overtourism in European Cities Bolzano Ko Koens Breda University / Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality

2 Ko KOENS (PhD) Associate Professor NHTV Breda University Research Associate University of Johannesburg Centre of Expertise Leisure Tourism & Hospitality (CELTH)

3 A short introduction to overtourism

4 Urban tourism is important source of income, employment and liveability for European cities Urban tourism is increasing worldwide Cities are relatively dynamic and resilient

5 The things we see on the streets

6 The things we see in the media

7 Negative attitude from local residents Disturbance is visible, wider positive effects appear unnoticed Overtourism: Tourism that exceeds the limits of acceptable change in a destination or parts thereof, with regards to the environment, perceived quality of life and/or experience quality

8 CELTH Dealing with visitors Methodology Started work in 2013 led to research in cooperation with 13 cities and ETOA Literature review Over 80 expert interviews Two feedback sessions with cities Representative survey among residents Scenario planning to envisage future uncertainties Amsterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Berlin, Bru

9 Three components of overtourism 1. Too many visitors (too busy) 2. Too much adverse impact 3. Too much tourism industry/supply Rosenow & Pulsipher, 1979; Ashworth & Page, 2011

10 Three components of overtourism 1. Too many visitors (too busy) 2. Too much adverse impact 3. Too much tourism industry/supply Rosenow & Pulsipher, 1979; Ashworth & Page, 2011

11 Three components of overtourism 1. Too many visitors (too busy) 2. Too much adverse impact 3. Too much tourism industry/supply Rosenow & Pulsipher, 1979; Ashworth & Page, 2011

12 Towards a better understanding of overtourism There is not one type of overtourism Overtourism is NOT mass tourism Visitor pressure may be a preferable term More neutral Focus on dealing with the issue before it reaches boiling point

13 Towards a better understanding of visitor pressure Issues are often local, not throughout the city It s not (just) a tourism problem! Commuters? Day Trippers? VFR? Residents? Homeshopping delivery vans? Changing retail landscape Real-estate market

14 Managing visitor pressure

15 Current management practices Great awareness and willingness among stakeholders to tackle the issue Cities are already active with solutions At least 72 ways/methods used in one or more cities 11 Main strategies

16 Management strategies 1. Spreading visitors around the city and beyond 2. Time-based rerouting 3. Regulation 4. Stimulating itineraries 5. Visitor segmentation 6. Make residents benefit from visitor economy 7. Create city experiences that benefit visitors and residents 8. Communicating with / involving local stakeholders 9. Communicating with / involving visitors 10. Improve city infrastructure and facilities 11. Responsive measures

17 Implementing management strategies Implementation differs depending on local context Not one solution, it s all about synergy and balance

18 Solving the long-term problem of overtourism Weakness of current measures Mostly effect-oriented Issue remains framed within the tourism system Not all stakeholders are willing to act before the issue is imminent Great hope that technology will save the day There is no quick fix Are not enough to

19 Towards a new kind of tourism

20 Solving the long-term problem of visitor pressure Re-evaluation of role of tourism in cities Involvement of stakeholders within and beyond tourism is key

21 Solving the long-term problem of visitor pressure Solving the problem will require a radical transition of the role of tourism in cities 3 Exploring pathways 2 - Envisioning This needs to be cocreated by all different stakeholders in the city, including academics 1 - Analysing the system as a whole 4 - Experimenting 5 - Assessing 6 - Translating Nevens, F., Frantzeskaki, N., Gorissen, L. & Loorbach, D. (2013) Urban Transition Labs: co-creating transformative action for sustainable cities. Journal of Cleaner Production, 50, pp

22 Quality of Life Solving the long-term problem of visitor pressure Moving beyond traditional triple-p definition for analyzing the sustainable urban tourism system Tourism as a contributor to the quality of life and attractiveness of a city Sustainable Tourism Economic Wealth Source: author, scithos.eu

23 Stimulating collaborative deep reflections Currently lack of trust and cooperation limits resources and hinders solutions (social dilemma) Collaboratively reflect on role of tourism Allow room for dignified disagreements Gamification to bring stakeholders together Jointly design future destinations

24 Thank you! Bolzano More information: